Last month we started a discussion about correct clothing. For the next several months we plan to examine different types of garments and give hints and tips on each, but first I am going to ramble a bit about a shirt I have been making.

I first saw the pattern when another member had his aunt make a shirt by it for him. The original was made by a prisoner at Andersonville from tent canvas. He made twelve of them, presumably using an existing shirt as a guide. For thread he raveled additional canvas.

I bought the pattern last summer along with some suitable fabric and finally got around to starting the project last month. I have never sewed anything in my life and decided that I would use this as a learning experience. I also decided to do the entire shirt by hand.

The shirt is now complete, and it has truly been a learning experience. First, let me say that I now have a profound respect and admiration for people who created an entire wardrobe for them selves and their household by hand. Simply put, there is a lot of work involved, even in making a shirt. I can't imagine how much time it would take for a woman's dress, or a man's frock coat.

The second thing I learned was how little I knew about sewing. There is hardly a part on the shirt that I did not sew at least twice; one particularly obnoxious seam was done four times before it was done to my satisfaction. Very few modern people sew, men or women, so we forget what an important skill it was in the 19th century. Even the men would have seen the women in their households sewing and thus would have had a better appreciation for it. When a soldier started to repair his pants, or make a shirt, at least he knew what he was supposed to be doing, even if he had little first hand experience. I found myself just the opposite. Time and again I would do something, only to have my wife (an experienced seamstress) say, "but of course you don't do it that way... everybody knows that!"

On the bright side I discovered that the main requirement was patience. I think almost anyone could complete a similar project if they have enough time, and a calm disposition!

Did I do a great job? Of course not; this was only my first effort. Will I wear it anyhow? You better believe it! After all that time I wouldn't dare hang it in the closet. Will I try it again? Let's just say that the material has already been bought and the pattern is being cut out even now!